The Energy Policy Management Committee decided yesterday to maintain the ex-refinery price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 20.9179 baht/kg for two more months, from June 1 to July 31 so that the retail price will be kept at 423 baht a 15Kg cylinder.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan attributed the committee’s decision to the continuing conflict in the Middle East and global oil and gas price fluctuations.
He said that the price of LPG in the global market from March to May has increased by US$232.5/tonne, from US$542.5 to US$775, an increase of about 43%.
The import price of LPG as of May 19th was US$918/tonne, which is equivalent to 467 baht for a 15Kg cylinder, while the actual retail price is kept at 423 baht, said Akanat, adding that the gap between the cost and the retail price has resulted in an accumulated loss for the Oil Fuel Fund of about 38.6 billion baht so far.
The Energy Policy Management Committee also decided to maintain the proportion of blending of palm oil and high-speed diesel, to produce B7 biodiesel, from June 14 to September 13.
Akanat said that the continuing use of B7 biodiesel will reduce imports of diesel by about 1.37 million litres per day, which will help reduce dependence on imported diesel while using up palm oil.
